After four years of soul-searching, globe-trotting, and fearless creativity, Irish guitarist Joe Hodgson storms back into the spotlight with his electrifying new double A-side single, The Grass Is Greener / Shapeshifting, released on March 28, 2025. Known for his mantra that “words can lie, but my guitar can’t,” Hodgson wastes no time reminding listeners why his playing has been hailed as “elite” by Guitar World magazine. These two tracks are not just a reintroduction—they are a full-throttle declaration that Hodgson’s fire burns brighter than ever, delivering a masterclass in emotional storytelling without ever uttering a word.
The Grass Is Greener immediately casts a spell, sweeping listeners into a swirling blend of rock, blues, jazz, and even a touch of Indian-inspired textures. Hodgson’s guitar doesn’t just play notes; it paints vivid landscapes, tracing the unpredictable journey we all undertake in the pursuit of inner peace and happiness. Every phrase feels intentional, every bend and slide is packed with emotion. It’s not hard to imagine Hodgson pouring his own experiences into every riff—his time away from the music scene, his travels, the personal transformations he must have encountered along the way. This track lives and breathes, with every measure pulling the listener deeper into Hodgson’s world of raw, unfiltered expression.
But if The Grass Is Greener is a heartfelt meditation, Shapeshifting is its wild, restless twin. Here, Hodgson truly embraces his multi-dimensional spirit, launching listeners on a rollercoaster ride through baroque melodies, playful jazz detours, rollicking Irish jigs, thunderous rock and roll bursts, and Thin Lizzy-flavored harmonies that ripple with energy. It’s a shapeshifter in every sense—constantly evolving, surprising, and challenging expectations at every turn. Yet, despite its genre-blurring madness, there’s an invisible thread that holds the track together: Hodgson’s unmistakable voice through his guitar, fearless and full of life.
Together, these two songs tell a bigger story about the dual nature of human experience—the search for stability and identity versus the need to adapt and change. Hodgson captures that push and pull effortlessly, not through lyrics or heavy-handed messages, but through pure sound and feel. His guitar becomes a mirror for the listener’s own inner landscapes, inviting reflection, celebration, and a bit of rebellious joy.
What’s particularly striking about this release is Hodgson’s refusal to play it safe. In a world where many artists are chasing trends, he digs even deeper into authenticity, taking bold musical chances while still delivering songs that feel deeply relatable. It’s a testament to his evolution as a musician and as a human being. These tracks aren’t just impressive displays of technical skill—though Hodgson’s fingerwork is truly dazzling—they are rich with soul, full of risk, and bursting with genuine emotion.
The Grass Is Greener and Shapeshifting are a tantalizing glimpse into what’s coming with Hodgson’s forthcoming album, Fields Of Redemption. If these songs are any indication, listeners can expect a record that pushes boundaries, blurs genres, and dives deep into the complexities of the human spirit. Joe Hodgson isn’t just back—he’s on a mission, and he’s bringing a tidal wave of feeling and fearless creativity with him.
In the end, Joe Hodgson proves once again why the guitar remains one of the most powerful storytelling instruments there is. His return feels not just timely, but necessary—a reminder that in a noisy world, sometimes it’s the voice without words that says the most.
